Painting With Watercolors
Over the years, I have made artwork in several different media but watercolor is the vehicle through which my work can really present itself in its best form. Observing watercolor masters paint so fast and loose while capturing atmospheric realism has made it impossible not to pick up the brushes and paint. The fluid brushwork, gestural quality, and spontaneity of watercolor hint to the painter that if they are willing to trust the paint and sacrifice some control, a masterpiece may just emerge.
My paintings have a very simple theme; I want to create an appreciation for the immediate beauty around us. It is amazing how a scene or object can be banal one minute, only to be transformed into something intriguing and beautiful by a simple change in light, time of day, weather, or season. Painting scenery has altered the way I perceive the world around me. Every drive up the highway is a slideshow of breathtaking landscapes. Every walk through the city is a compilation of short stories captured in a single frame.
The winding trail to pottery….
My fascination with clay was more or less accidental. At 23, I found myself accepting a job to teach high school where I would be required to teach a ceramics class, as well as drawing and painting, which were more related to my training. After struggling to teach myself the wheel and basic technical skills, I began to experience a small amount of success which became almost addicting. After attending the St. Croix Pottery Tour in 2016, I knew I would be making pots at every possible opportunity.
Since then I have been working to create pottery that reflects various qualities I value in nature, personality, and atmosphere. With organic finishes, understated shapes, and subtle textures, I hope these pots will communicate a balance between confidence and humility; pots that can live in any house and contribute something beautiful or positive to an individual's life. I’m happy to be the vessel that produces these pots, and love to watch as they come to life and develop their own personalities through the making process.
